The ACLU of Utah Strongly Opposes SB 297, Which Would Allow Discrimination Against Gay and Transgender Utahns

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Religious freedom is a fundamental Utah value, but it does not give any of us the right to impose our beliefs on others.

The ACLU of Utah strongly opposes SB 297, which would allow discrimination against gay and transgender Utahns, and would undermine the very protections that SB 296, the nondiscrimination bill, is designed to afford. It goes far beyond respecting the rights of clergy and religious organizations to decide which marriages to perform. In fact, SB 297 would allow any individual or licensed professional to discriminate based on their beliefs about marriage or sexuality.

The nondiscrimination bill, SB 296, was the result of meaningful dialogue between many potential stakeholders. We are confident that similar dialogue could result in a bill that protects the rights of clergy and religious organizations, without opening the door to discrimination.